25 Best Hot Cocktails To Keep You Warm

When the nights darken and winter bites, hot cocktails are just the thing to banish the blues.

These deliciously irresistible drinks will warm you up from the inside out.

And with over 20 cocktail drinks to choose from, you’re bound to find a sip to match your mood. 

If you’re feeling decadent, try a dessert-like creation – Irish coffee, buttered bourbon, or spiked caramel latte.

Craving something spicy? You’ll enjoy the fruity kick of blackberry wine or a spiced apple cocktail.

Or just keep it classic with traditional mulled wine or a ‘drunken’ pumpkin latte.

Whatever you’re into, set your watch for happy hour because it’s time for a toasty tipple!

Hot Cocktails & Drink Recipes

1. Irish Coffee

I don’t generally recommend booze for breakfast, but this classic Irish coffee is just the thing on snowy mornings.

Or you could play it safe and enjoy it as an after-dinner treat.

Either way, Irish coffee is guaranteed to please with dark coffee, a splash of Irish cream, a tot of whiskey, and lashings of whipped cream on top.

Ingredients: Irish cream liqueur, Irish whiskey, brewed coffee, whipped cream, nutmeg

2. Kahlua Hot Chocolate

A hint of Kahlua turns this rich hot chocolate into something special, giving it a touch of smoky flavor.

Topped with marshmallows and drizzled with caramel syrup, this drink is not for the faint-hearted. 

It’s filling, it’s creamy, it’s intensely sweet, and it’ll give you a bit of a buzz.

Ingredients: milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, coffee liqueur

3. Mulled Wine

The Romans gave us many things – roads, the Vatican, and breathtaking architecture. 

But perhaps the best thing to come out of the iconic empire was mulled wine, first discovered when one 2nd-century Roman decided his wine would be much better heated and spiced.

This classic recipe is a keeper. Easy, quick, and very tasty, it’s the ultimate festive party starter. Thank you, Rome.

Ingredients: oranges, Merlot, brandy, maple syrup, cinnamon, star anise, cloves

4. Pimm’s Winter Cup

Imaginative and irresistible, I love this wintery twist on the British summer-time favorite, Pimms.

In this recipe, apple juice is slowly simmered with caramel, orange, and cinnamon until warm and fragrant.

Once the flavors have beautifully mingled, you’ll remove it from the heat and add a dash of Pimms. 

Then it’s time to go crazy with the garnishes. Apple slices and cinnamon sticks add sophistication to this fruity treat.

Ingredients: apple juice, caramel candies, orange, cinnamon stick, Pimm’s, apple slices

5. Winter Snowflake Cocktail

This gorgeously creamy cocktail is sure to be a winner at your next festive gathering.

It’s a mix of Baileys Irish Cream, milk, chocolate, and caramel, all piled into a tall glass and heaped with cream. 

You can make this one in the slow cooker so it’s ideal for parties. It’s also great for a DIY cocktail buffet.

Put out some sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and cinnamon next to the slow cooker so everyone can help themselves and customize their own!

Ingredients: white chocolate chips, caramel sauce, vanilla, milk, Baileys

6. Spiked Almond Joy Hot Chocolate

Almond Joy candies aren’t just for kids with this adult-themed favorite.

Dark chocolate, sweet coconut, and nutty almond mix perfectly in this gorgeous cocktail that’s more like dessert than a drink.

There’s no actual Almond Joy in this cup, but it tastes just like the real deal thanks to coconut milk, Amaretto, and lots of chocolate.

Ingredients: coconut milk, chocolate, Amaretto, coconut syrup, vanilla, whipped cream

7. Spiked Caramel Latte

Skip the line at Starbucks for this version of a caramel latte that’s better (and boozier!) than the original.

A mix of hot rum and butterscotch chips, I dare you to say no to this sweet treat. 

It’s like the love child of butter beer and hot buttered rum, and I’m here for it.

If you’re serving it to guests, fancy things up with a pile of whipped cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg on top.

Ingredients: evaporated milk, hot coffee, rum, butterscotch chips

8. Winter Spiced Apple Cocktail with Rum

This spicy sip might look simple, but it’s surprisingly flavorful and comes with a kick.

You’ll mix apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon peel for a fruity taste with spicy citrus notes. 

Oh, and don’t forget the booze! Once the juice is warm, add just enough rum to keep out the cold, and enjoy!

Ingredients: apple juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon, apple, dark rum

9. Bourbon Spiked Hot Chocolate

I rarely drink bourbon au natural, but it’s good to keep a bottle on hand for recipes like this.

Bourbon in rich, dark hot chocolate is a revelation, adding an intensely smoky undertone that highlights all that sweet cocoa goodness.

This is the perfect drink for Halloween festivities, Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas Eve nightcaps, and New Year’s revels.

Plan enough parties and you’ll be drinking it ‘til spring!

Ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, salt, water, milk, vanilla, bourbon, mini marshmallows

10. Hot Apple Pie Cocktail

Cozy and comforting, this is like apple pie in a glass.

It’s made with Calvados, a French liqueur made from apples or pears. This fruity blend is mixed with apple juice, brown sugar, and spices.

If you want more of a kick, stir in some apple cider, too!

Ingredients: apple cider, brandy, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, whipped cream

11. Hot Buttered Bourbon

This delicious drink is a tasty mash-up of eggnog and butter beer, making it 100% amazing.

It’s not as custard-like as eggnog, but it definitely has all the creamy taste of that Christmas favorite.

And it’s not as sweet and sticky as butter beer, but it’s still very easy on the tastebuds!

Pro-tip: swap the bourbon for rum and you’ve got yourself a cozy cup of hot buttered rum.

Ingredients: butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, bourbon, water

12. Blackberry Mulled Wine

If you’ve been to one Christmas party too many and are getting bored with mulled wine, take things to the next level with this berry-fic version.

Made with a blackberry & apple syrup, and flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, it’ll make you fall in love with the classic cocktail all over again.

Ingredients: blackberries, apple juice, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, red wine

13. Carajillo

Carajillo is an intensely dark Spanish coffee made with just two ingredients – coffee and brandy.

There’s a bit more to it than that, obviously, but the beauty of this warming drink lies in its simplicity. Brew up your espresso then add your ingredients. 

Although it’s traditionally made with brandy, you can switch this out for rum.

And if you like your coffee sweet, feel free to stir in a spoonful of sugar. No fuss, but lots of flavor!

Ingredients: rum, espresso, sugar

14. Wassail

For those not in the know, wassail is an old English drink, served to celebrate the harvest.

It’s a tasty blend of apple cider and spices, spiked with bourbon.

You may not have been toiling in the fields, but a trip to the grocery store definitely counts as bringing home the harvest, so pour yourself a celebratory cup and enjoy!

Ingredients: apple cider, ginger, lemon, cinnamon stick, star anise, vanilla bean, bourbon

15. Spiced Apple Hot Toddy

This is a deliciously sweet and spicy cup that’ll cure what ails you.

It gives the classic hot toddy – brandy, honey, citrus – a fall twist by adding apple cider and spices like clove and cinnamon.

The result is a warming brew that’ll make you want to kick your shoes off, collapse on the couch, and snuggle up with someone special.

Ingredients: apple cider, cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, orange, ginger, honey, brandy

16. Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Mulled wine meets hot chocolate in this recipe. And they live happily ever after.

So will you, once you get a taste of this unique combination. Sweet, tart, spicy, and fruity, it’s a must-try for your next Christmas party. 

Ingredients: milk, red wine, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, cinnamon stick, salt

17. Tequila Chai Hot Toddy

In my house, hot toddies are the go-to cold remedy, but this recipe turns them from medicinal to magical.

Laced with tequila, orange juice, and chai tea, this is a cocktail to keep off the chill and make things extra merry.

Ingredients: water, chai tea bag, tequila, orange juice, honey

18. Drunken Pumpkin Spice Latte

It seems to be a life rule that the minute the leaves turn, pumpkin lattes start appearing. 

If you’re tired of your usual, spike it up with some pumpkin pie liquor and have yourself a drunken pumpkin party.

Because nothing says fall like boozy squash-based drinks!

Ingredients: brewed coffee, pumpkin pie liqueur, pumpkin pie spice, corn syrup, orange sanding sugar, whipped cream

19. Blueberry Tea Cocktail

Cocktail connoisseurs know that the secret to a good blend is experimentation. Sometimes the wackiest flavors work! 

Like in this vibrant and fruity recipe which combines amaretto, orange liqueur, and hot orange pekoe tea.

The result is a sweet, citrus brew that’s reminiscent of warm berry pie.

Ingredients: amaretto liqueur, orange liqueur, orange pekoe tea

20. Salted Caramel Vodka Cider

It’s hard to stick to one glass of this insanely tempting cocktail.

Made with apple cider and caramel vodka, it’s the perfect way to gently ease yourself from summer to fall. 

Heat everything in a pot until warm, pour into a mug, and sprinkle with cinnamon for an instant mood booster!

Ingredients: apple cider, cinnamon, salted caramel vodka

21. Kahlua Coffee

There are days when you want dessert, and there are days when you’d rather skip it and have a drink instead.

Get the best of both worlds with this post-supper sip. Made with coffee, Kahlua, and cream, it’ll finish your night with a warming, delicious mug.

It’s good for digestion and the soul!

Ingredients: coffee, Kahlua, heavy cream

22. Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

Just looking at this brightly festive cocktail gets me in the mood for the holidays.

It’s a beautiful blend of cranberry juice, orange juice, spices, fresh ginger, honey, and rum. Pretty to look at, and pretty tasty too!

Ingredients: cranberry juice, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, honey, rum

23. Warm Pomegranate Punch

Festive punch is a crowd-pleaser during the holidays when everyone’s in the mood to celebrate.

Help things along with a pitcher full of this fruity concoction, made with pomegranate juice, red wine, and rum.

Ingredients: pomegranate juice, red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, rum

24. Maple Ginger Hot Toddy

Add some fall-inspired flavor to your next hot toddy with this maple-laced version.

It’s sweet and spicy, with a kick from fresh ginger and treacly maple undertones.

Try it before bed on a frosty night, and you’ll be peacefully slumbering in no time!

Ingredients: ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, spiced tea bag, scotch, maple syrup, lemon juice

25. Mexican Inspired Tequila Coffee

Irish coffee is great, but sometimes it’s nice to go south of the border.

This Mexican-inspired coffee has all the kick you’ll expect from the fiery cuisine.

It’s flavored with tequila, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and Kahlua.

Don’t forget to load it up with whipped cream and sprinkle a few cocoa-covered coffee beans on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredients: brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, tequila, brown sugar, whipped cream, cocoa powder